Baltimore Center Stage (BCS) and Mosaic Theater Company are partnering to bring the world premiere of a new musical to Baltimore called “MEXODUS.”
The musical explores the Underground Railroad that went South into Mexico and is described as truly groundbreaking in that it’s a “live-looped musical” composed in real time. Written and performed by Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson, it will run at Center Stage from March 14 through April 7, and then at Washington’s Mosaic Theater Company from May 16 through June 16.
“I cannot imagine a better way to start 2024 than presenting this incredible new musical with our partners at Mosaic Theater,” said Stevie Walker-Webb, Artistic Director of Baltimore Center Stage. “Through their years of collaboration, Brian and Nygel have created something remarkable–a hip-hop infused show that highlights the power of Black and Brown unity through a historical lens. If you love Hamilton, you will love MEXODUS.”
The stories of the 4,000 to 10,000 enslaved people in the United States who sought freedom in Mexico has remained largely untold compared especially to those who fled north to places in the United States where slavery had been outlawed. Quijada and Robinson tell the story of those who used the Underground Railroad that led south to Mexico to underscore the power of Black and Brown unity.
The two developed the musical during the COVID-19 pandemic, collaborating virtually to release one song per month including a video of them performing it. In this video, they perform the MEXODUS track “Two Bodies.”
“Brian and Nygel have taken this little-known piece of history and created a heart-thrilling story of Black and Brown bodies standing together against oppression,” said Reginald L. Douglas, Artistic Director of Mosaic Theater. “It is a very American story that reflects on how history has made us who we are. Audiences will be especially awed by the on-stage talents of Brian and Nygel, who–through the art of live-looping– literally create the score on stage each night. Mosaic is thrilled to collaborate with Center Stage on this world premiere production, after shepherding this piece through our Catalyst Series over the last several years.”
Quijada is an Emmy-nominated playwright, actor, and composer. His hip-hop solo show “Where Did We Sit on the Bus?” received two Jeff Awards including Outstanding Solo Performance, two Drama Desk Nominations, and a Drama League Nomination. His Theater for Young Audiences play “Kid Prince and Pablo” premiered at The Kennedy Center in 2019.
Robinson is a singer, actor, writer, music producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He’s based in Chicago, IL. His theater credits include playing Bro. Davis in “The Amen Corner” at Shakespeare Theater Company, Jimmy Powers in “Lady Day” at North Carolina Theater, Larry in Lincoln Center’s version of “Beau: The Musical,” Jesus in “Godspell” at St. Michael’s Playhouse and more. He was also music director at Shakespeare Music Company.
For the Center Stage production of “MEXODUS,” tickets are on sale at this link; by calling 410-332-0033; or by visiting the box office in person at 700 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD.
For the Mosaic Theater Company production of “MEXODUS,” tickets are on sale at this link; by calling 202-399-7993, ext. 501; or by visiting the box office in person at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC.
